Summit Preview: Economic Trends & New Opportunities in Latin America

Sep 23, 2014

Over the last 10 years, Latin America had been experiencing relatively strong economic development coupled with impressive poverty reduction. However the downturn of global trade, moderation of commodity prices, and increasing uncertainty of external monetary and financing conditions are all contributing to a murky economic outlook for Latin America.

Over the last 10 years, Latin America had been experiencing relatively strong economic development coupled with impressive poverty reduction. From 2003 to 2012, the regions were growing at an average rate of 4.0% even in the midst of the international financial crisis of 2008-9. However the downturn of global trade, moderation of commodity prices, and increasing uncertainty of external monetary and financing conditions are all contributing to a murky economic outlook for Latin America.

On top of this, the decade of economic growth gave rise to an emerging “middle class” in the region. OECD estimates that in the emerging economies of Latin America this middle class will grow from 55% of the population in 2010 to 78% in 2025. This poses both a challenge and an opportunity for further economic development as governments face demands for higher quality, efficient public services.

As public officials across Latin America seek solutions to these socioeconomic situations, opportunities for significant public-private partnerships that can scale possible solutions will undoubtedly present themselves. Furthermore, avenues for investment and the creation of public-private partnerships in the region cannot be restricted to economic statistics alone. Cultural differences, political systems, safety concerns, and resource management are just some of the factors that will influence this fluid partnership landscape. This panel will analyze current trends by the foremost leaders from the regions and outline new opportunities for social and economic investment that can scale existing solutions.